Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) continues to strengthen its sustainability agenda through the organization of the Used Cooking Oil Soap-Making Program in conjunction with the First UMT Sustainability Day 2026, themed “Protecting Our Earth, Shaping Our Future.” The program, organized by the UMT Life Centre in collaboration with the Sustainable Management Centre (TSR), was successfully held on 30 April 2026 at the UMT Life Centre compound.
The program was held as an effort to increase awareness among university members about the importance of sustainable management of used cooking oil waste, while also promoting circular economy practices that can benefit both the environment and society.
The management of used cooking oil is increasingly receiving attention as this waste material has the potential to be processed into various value-added products such as soap, candles, and biodiesel. In addition to helping reduce environmental pollution, this innovation can also create income-generating opportunities for the community.
A total of 24 participants joined the program, consisting of cafeteria workers, cleaning staff, UMT Life Centre personnel, and staff from various Responsibility Centres (PTj) at UMT. The program provided hands-on exposure to participants on how to recycle used cooking oil into eco-friendly soap.
Throughout the two-hour training session, participants were introduced to techniques for purifying used oil, the process of measuring ingredients such as oil, water, and lye, as well as methods of mixing and pouring the soap mixture into silicone molds. Each participant also received a soap-making kit, enabling them to practice what they learned at home, thereby opening opportunities for side income generation activities.
The program was conducted by the “Soap Team” from the Analytical Chemistry Program, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Environment (FSSM), led by Associate Professor Dr. Tuan Nurul Sabiqah Tuan Anuar together with six experienced lecturers. The team has been actively involved in community knowledge transfer programs for several years and has specialized expertise in used oil-based soap production.
In addition to providing technical knowledge, the program also successfully fostered participants’ awareness of the importance of recycling practices and environmental stewardship. Participants also received certificates of participation presented by the Director of the UMT Life Centre as appreciation for their involvement.
This program also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production through the reduction of used cooking oil waste, SDG 4 on Quality Education through hands-on learning approaches, and SDG 17, which emphasizes strategic partnerships between departments and institutions in advancing the sustainability agenda.
Overall, the Used Cooking Oil Soap-Making Program successfully achieved its objectives and had a positive impact on UMT staff in cultivating sustainable practices. Such programs should be continued and expanded to support sustainable development efforts at the university, national, and global levels.
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) terus memperkukuh agenda kelestarian menerusi penganjuran Program Pembuatan Sabun Daripada Minyak Terpakai sempena Hari Lestari Pertama UMT 2026 bertemakan “Protecting Our Earth, Shaping Our Future”. Program anjuran Pusat UMT Life dengan kerjasama Pusat Pengurusan Lestari, TSR itu berjaya dilaksanakan pada 30 April 2026 di perkarangan Pusat UMT Life.
Program tersebut dianjurkan sebagai usaha meningkatkan kesedaran warga universiti terhadap kepentingan pengurusan sisa minyak masak terpakai secara lestari di samping mempromosikan amalan ekonomi kitaran yang mampu memberi manfaat kepada alam sekitar dan masyarakat.
Pengurusan minyak masak terpakai kini semakin mendapat perhatian kerana bahan buangan tersebut berpotensi diproses menjadi pelbagai produk bernilai tambah seperti sabun, lilin dan biodiesel. Selain membantu mengurangkan pencemaran alam sekitar, inovasi ini juga mampu membuka peluang penjanaan pendapatan kepada masyarakat.
Seramai 24 peserta telah menyertai program ini yang terdiri daripada pekerja kafeteria, kakitangan pembersihan, staf Pusat UMT Life serta warga daripada pelbagai Pusat Tanggungjawab (PTj) di UMT. Program ini memberi pendedahan secara praktikal kepada peserta mengenai kaedah mengitar semula minyak masak terpakai menjadi sabun mesra alam.
Sepanjang sesi latihan selama dua jam, peserta didedahkan dengan teknik memulihkan minyak terpakai, proses menimbang bahan seperti minyak, air dan lye, serta kaedah membancuh dan menuang campuran sabun ke dalam acuan silikon. Setiap peserta turut menerima kit pembuatan sabun bagi membolehkan mereka mempraktikkan ilmu yang dipelajari di rumah, sekali gus membuka peluang kepada aktiviti penjanaan pendapatan sampingan.
Program ini dikendalikan oleh “Team Sabun” daripada Program Kimia Analisis, Fakulti Sains dan Sekitaran Marin (FSSM), yang diketuai oleh Profesor Madya Dr. Tuan Nurul Sabiqah Tuan Anuar bersama enam orang pensyarah berpengalaman. Pasukan tersebut sememangnya aktif melaksanakan program pemindahan ilmu bersama komuniti sejak beberapa tahun lalu dan mempunyai kepakaran khusus dalam bidang pembuatan sabun berasaskan minyak terpakai.
Selain memberi pengetahuan teknikal, program ini turut berjaya memupuk kesedaran peserta mengenai kepentingan amalan kitar semula dan tanggungjawab memelihara alam sekitar. Para peserta juga menerima sijil penyertaan yang disampaikan oleh Pengarah Pusat UMT Life sebagai penghargaan atas penglibatan mereka.
Penganjuran program ini turut menyokong Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan (SDGs), khususnya SDG 12 iaitu Penggunaan dan Pengeluaran Bertanggungjawab melalui pengurangan sisa minyak masak, SDG 4 iaitu Pendidikan Berkualiti menerusi pendekatan pembelajaran hands-on, serta SDG 17 yang menekankan kerjasama strategik antara jabatan dan institusi dalam menjayakan agenda kelestarian.
Secara keseluruhannya, Program Pembuatan Sabun Daripada Minyak Terpakai berjaya mencapai objektif yang ditetapkan dan memberi impak positif kepada warga UMT dalam membudayakan amalan lestari. Program seumpama ini wajar diteruskan dan diperluaskan bagi menyokong usaha pembangunan mampan di peringkat universiti, nasional dan global.